Is It Worth Buying a Drink Package on Disney Cruise Line?

When planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests often focus on destinations, entertainment, and dining. But one question arises frequently among travelers — is it worth buying a drink package on Disney Cruise Line?

Disney Cruise Line has a unique approach to beverage options that differs from most cruise lines. While many cruise companies offer unlimited drink packages for an upfront price, Disney Cruise Line provides a more flexible beverage policy. Rather than a one-size-fits-all drink plan, guests can choose from complimentary beverages, refillable soda mugs, and optional beer or wine packages.

So, the real question is not just about whether a drink package is worth it but whether the way Disney structures its beverage options offers genuine value. Let’s explore the costs, benefits, and practicality of buying drink packages onboard and see if they’re truly worth it for your cruise experience.

Understanding Disney Cruise Line’s Beverage System

Disney Cruise Line stands apart from many competitors because it doesn’t offer a traditional unlimited drink package. Instead, it focuses on giving guests freedom of choice and value through multiple beverage options.

Here’s what’s available onboard:

• Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks included in the fare

• A refillable soda mug program for unlimited soft drinks

• Beer and wine bundles for discounted alcohol purchases

• Individual drink sales for cocktails, beer, and wine

This means the value of buying a beverage package on Disney Cruise Line depends on your drinking habits and preferences.

Complimentary Drinks Included with Your Fare

Before thinking about buying a package, it’s important to know what you already get for free. Disney Cruise Line includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages at no extra cost.

Free Drinks Available Onboard:

• Water

• Coffee (regular and decaf)

• Hot and iced tea

• Lemonade

• Fruit punch

• Apple juice and orange juice

• Hot chocolate

These drinks are available in the main dining rooms, Cabanas buffet, and the 24-hour beverage stations on the pool deck.

Since these beverages are unlimited, many guests find they don’t need a beverage package at all. If you typically drink coffee, tea, juice, or water, you’ll be fully covered without spending extra.

Refillable Soda Mug Program

For soda lovers, Disney Cruise Line offers a refillable soda mug that provides unlimited soft drink refills throughout your cruise.

How It Works:

You buy a souvenir mug onboard or pre-purchase it before your sailing. This mug gives you access to unlimited refills at the beverage stations on the pool deck and select quick-service locations.

Cost:

The mug usually costs around 20 to 25 dollars per cruise per person.

Is It Worth Buying?

If you drink soda frequently, the refillable mug is definitely worth it. A single glass of soda purchased at a bar or restaurant costs about 3 to 4 dollars. Drinking three sodas per day for a seven-day cruise would easily exceed the cost of the mug.

For guests who drink soda only occasionally, it might not be necessary, but for soft drink fans, it’s a smart purchase.

Beer and Wine Packages on Disney Cruise Line

Although Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer a traditional all-you-can-drink package, it provides beer and wine bundles that give guests discounted pricing when buying multiple beverages.

Beer Packages:

You can buy a six-beer bucket at a reduced rate.

• Cost: 35 to 50 dollars, depending on brand and selection.

• Savings: Around 10 percent compared to purchasing beers individually.

• Refill Option: You can exchange your empty bucket for a new one at the same discounted rate.

If you enjoy a couple of beers a day, this package offers reasonable savings.

Wine Packages:

Guests can pre-purchase wine bottles at discounted rates.

• 3-Bottle Classic Package: 100 to 160 dollars

• 7-Bottle Classic Package: 300 to 400 dollars

• Premium Packages: 150 to 500 dollars depending on quality

You can enjoy these bottles in the dining rooms or in your stateroom, and unfinished bottles can be stored by your server for the next meal.

Worth It?

If you’re a wine lover or plan to enjoy wine with dinner each night, these packages can save you money and add convenience.

Alcoholic Beverages by the Glass

If you prefer cocktails or spirits, drinks are sold individually.

Average Prices Onboard:

• Beer: 7 to 9 dollars

• Wine by the glass: 10 to 15 dollars

• Cocktails: 10 to 14 dollars

• Premium drinks: 12 to 16 dollars

Because there’s no unlimited alcohol package, guests only pay for what they consume. This helps moderate expenses and prevents overpaying for drinks you might not finish.

For guests who typically enjoy one or two alcoholic beverages per day, paying per drink is often more cost-effective than a drink package would be on other cruise lines.

Beverage Tastings and Mixology Classes

Disney Cruise Line offers special tasting events for adults who want to enjoy curated drink experiences.

Popular Classes Include:

• Wine or champagne tastings

• Whiskey, rum, or tequila tastings

• Mixology or cocktail-making sessions

Cost:

Around 30 to 50 dollars per person, depending on the drink type.

Each class includes four to six small pours, making it a fun and affordable way to try multiple beverages without overpaying for full servings.

For many guests, these tastings offer more value than buying multiple drinks throughout the day.

Non-Alcoholic Specialty Drinks

If you’re not drinking alcohol, Disney Cruise Line has plenty of paid non-alcoholic options as well.

Available Specialty Drinks:

• Smoothies: 5 to 8 dollars

• Specialty coffee: 4 to 7 dollars

• Milkshakes: 6 to 8 dollars

• Mocktails: 6 to 9 dollars

You can find these in cafes, lounges, and restaurants. Guests who buy one or two specialty beverages a day may spend around 15 to 25 dollars per day, depending on the type and size.

Since these drinks are individually priced, there’s no package for non-alcoholic specialties, but you can control your spending based on how many you purchase.

Bringing Your Own Alcohol Onboard

One of the biggest benefits of Disney Cruise Line is its flexible alcohol policy. Guests can bring their own wine, champagne, or beer onboard within limits.

Rules:

• Each adult (21 or older) may bring two bottles of wine or champagne (750 ml) or six beers (12 oz) at embarkation.

• You can bring the same amount back onboard at each port stop.

• Beverages must be carried in hand luggage, not checked bags.

You can enjoy them in your stateroom at no cost. If you bring them to a dining venue, there’s a 25-dollar corkage fee per bottle.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For guests who prefer specific brands or like to have a glass of wine before dinner, bringing your own drinks can save significant money compared to onboard pricing.

Comparing Costs: Package vs Pay-As-You-Go

Let’s break down a realistic daily cost comparison between buying a beverage package and paying individually on Disney Cruise Line.

Beverage TypePackage CostDaily EstimateWorth It?

Soda Mug$20–$25 per cruiseUnlimited refillsYes, for soda drinkers

Beer Package$35–$50 per bucket1–2 beers per dayYes, moderate savings

Wine Package$100–$5001 glass per mealYes, for regular wine drinkers

Individual Alcoholic DrinksPay per drink$10–$60 daily averageBest for light drinkers

Complimentary DrinksIncludedUnlimitedBest overall value

From this comparison, it’s clear that most guests benefit more from pay-as-you-go options combined with Disney’s included beverages rather than an expensive all-inclusive drink package.

Advantages of Disney’s Drink System

• Flexibility: You only pay for what you drink.

• Fair Pricing: Complimentary beverages reduce unnecessary spending.

• Family Friendly: Keeps the cruise enjoyable for all age groups.

• Customizable: You can mix and match soda, beer, or wine packages.

• Transparency: No hidden charges for unused portions.

For families and light drinkers, this system provides better value than an all-inclusive plan.

When a Drink Package Might Not Be Worth It

If you’re used to cruise lines that include unlimited alcohol packages, Disney’s pay-per-drink system might seem less convenient. However, since Disney Cruise Line’s pricing on beverages is reasonable and most non-alcoholic drinks are free, buying packages isn’t always cost-effective.

It might not be worth it if:

• You drink mostly water, coffee, or juice.

• You’re traveling with kids who don’t drink soda daily.

• You only plan to have one or two alcoholic beverages each day.

When It Might Be Worth It

Buying drink packages on Disney Cruise Line can be worth it in these situations:

• You enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages daily and want predictable pricing.

• You plan to drink wine with dinner every night.

• You prefer to prepay all expenses before boarding.

• You drink soda frequently and like the convenience of unlimited refills.

Conclusion

So, is it worth buying a drink package on Disney Cruise Line?

In most cases, the answer depends on your personal drinking habits. Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer an unlimited alcohol package, but it provides a variety of affordable options — from refillable soda mugs and beer buckets to discounted wine bundles.

If you drink mostly complimentary beverages like coffee, tea, and juice, you won’t need to spend extra. If you’re a soda lover, the refillable mug is a worthwhile investment. For those who enjoy wine or beer regularly, the bundles can save money compared to buying drinks individually.

Ultimately, Disney’s beverage system ensures you’re not paying for drinks you don’t consume. This makes it a fair and practical setup, especially for families and guests who value flexibility.

For most travelers, Disney Cruise Line’s beverage options strike the right balance between convenience, savings, and enjoyment — making your vacation at sea both magical and affordable.